These faithful lives

　　These faithful lives, whether seen of men or hidden in corners, arethe salvation of the world, and few of us fail to acknowledge it inthe hours when we are brought close to the heart of things, and seea little as God sees."Christie did not speak for a moment: Mr. Power's voice had been sograve, and his words so earnest that she could not answer lightly,but sat turning over the new thoughts in her mind. Presently shesaid, in a penitent but not quite satisfied tone:

　　"Of course you are right, sir,replica louis vuitton handbags. I'll try not to care for the outwardand visible signs of these hidden virtues; but I'm afraid I stillshall have a hankering for the worldly honors that are so valued bymost people.""'Success and glory are the children of hard work and God's favor,'

　　according to ,knockoff handbags?schylus, and you will find he was right. David got aheavy blow some years ago as I told you, I think; and he took ithard, but it did not spoil him: it made a man of him; and, if I amnot much mistaken, he will yet do something to be proud of, thoughthe world may never hear of it.""I hope so!" and Christie's face brightened at the thought.

　　"Nevertheless you look as if you doubted it, O you of little faith.

　　Every one has two sides to his nature: David has shown you the leastinteresting one, and you judge accordingly. I think he will show youthe other side some day,--for you are one of the women who winconfidence without trying,--and then you will know the real David.

　　Don't expect too much, or quarrel with the imperfections that makehim human; but take him for what he is worth, and help him if youcan to make his life a brave and good one.""I will, sir," answered Christie so meekly that Mr. Power laughed,shox torch 2;for this confessional in the strawberry bed amused him very much.

　　"You are a hero-worshipper, my dear; and if people don't come up tothe mark you are so disappointed that you fail to see the finereality which remains when the pretty romance ends. Saints walkabout the world today as much as ever, but instead of haircloth andhalos they now wear"--"Broadcloth and wide-brimmed hats," added Christie, looking up as ifshe had already found a better St. Thomas than any the church evercanonized.

　　He thanked her with a smile, and went on with a glance toward themeadow.

　　"And knights go crusading as gallantly as ever against the giantsand the dragons, though you don't discover it, because, instead ofbanner, lance, and shield they carry"--"Bushel-baskets, spades, and sweet-flag for their mothers," put inChristie again, as David came up the path with the loam he had beendigging.

　　Both began to laugh, and he joined in the merriment without knowingwhy, as he put down his load, took off his hat, and shook hands withhis honored guest.

　　"What's the joke?" he asked, refreshing himself with the handful ofberries Christie offered him.

　　"Don't tell," she whispered, looking dismayed at the idea of lettinghim know what she had said of him.

　　But Mr. Power answered tranquilly:

　　"We were talking about coins, and Christie was expressing heropinion of one I showed her. The face and date she understands; butthe motto puzzles her, and she has not seen the reverse side yet, sodoes not know its value. She will some day; and then she will agreewith me, I think, that it is sterling gold."The emphasis on the last words enlightened David: his sunburnt cheekreddened, but he only shook his head, saying: "She will find a brassfarthing I'm afraid, sir," and began to crumble a handful of loamabout the roots of a carnation that seemed to have sprung up bychance at the foot of the apple-tree,cheap designer handbags.